*There were two appeals set to be heard in Darwin.
Adele Goldie & Donna Mulhearn were appealing their conviction under the Australian Defence Undertakings Act 1952. The state were then to appeal the lightness of the sentencing.

TWO MORE PACIFISTS RELEASED – UPDATE DAY TWO

Pine Gap Trial Appeal Update THURS 21 Feb 2008

In a surprising turn of events Jim Dowling of the Pine Gap Four was unexpectedly released from prison today in the Darwin Court of Appeal.

Mr Dowling, who was due to remain incarcerated until Monday 25 Feb, was released on bail pending outcome of the appeal. He was delighted to join friends and supporters in the court gallery at 3.15pm. Mr Bryan Law was also released this morning after serving his sentence of ten days in lieu of fine payment.

Meanwhile Mr Ron Merkel QC advanced strong arguments to quash the June 2007 convictions of the Pine Gap Four under the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act of 1952.

Mr Merkel argued against a retrial saying it would be out of the question due to the costs already borne by the Australian public, the court system and the Pine Gap Four personally and financially.

"Enough is enough", he said.

Mr Paul Usher for the DPP began his case but told Justices Martin, Angel and Riley that he was also awaiting further instruction from Director of the Commonwealth DPP, Mr Chris Craigie SC, who was unable to be reached this afternoon.

The appeal continues at 10am tomorrow (Friday 22 Feb).


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